Study Abroad - Health & Safety

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Health and Safety

One of our primary concerns is the health and safety of students while abroad. Studying abroad is neither safer nor more dangerous than studying within the U.S. The same acts In the English Landscape Maymesterthat happen abroad can happen in the U.S. While every effort is made to ensure safety, Purdue cannot guarantee the safety of the participants or eliminate all the risk that is involved. Purdue cannot prevent students from engaging in illegal, dangerous, unwise activities or monitor or control all the daily personal decisions, choices and activities of each participant. Most of the student's safety depends on their level of maturity, the decisions that are made, and responsibility. IPIA provides a required orientation for students to learn about the health and safety precautions that should be taken. The best way students can prepare for a healthy and safe study abroad experience is to inform themselves about basic information before leaving. Here are some resources about health and safety overseas:

Physical Exams

Although immunizations are not required for most programs, every study abroad participant should discuss overseas travel immunization recommendations with their personal physician. The national Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends polio, tetanus and diphtheria boosters. It is recommended to have dental, eye and physical check-ups before going abroad. The Purdue Student Health Center provides exams, inoculations, and prescriptions. A medical information form that is handed out at orientation must be completed and submitted to IPIA.

Prescription Drugs

Bring any necessary medications and keep them in the original, labeled containers. Take the amount of prescription needed while abroad. Make sure all medications are in a carry-on. If wearing glasses or contact lens, it would be wise to take the lens prescription as well as an extra pair of glasses or lenses.

Alcohol

While the drinking age may be lower, the laws more lenient, or the cost cheaper in the host country than in the States, it is important to remember the risks involved. Even in countries where social drinking is the norm on a daily basis, it is never safe or acceptable to "binge" drink. Remember the defenses are down when drinking.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment can be defined as any unwanted sexual advances from anyone with power over any aspect during the overseas experience. Sometimes it is difficult to evaluate whether or not students have been harassed or if it is a matter of cultural differences. For example, Americans sometimes react with discomfort to the normal conversational distance between people in a culture they are exploring, and they should be aware of their feelings within that context. However, no one, male or female, studying abroad should have to suffer from unwelcome sexual pressure.

Gallagher Koster Insurance Plan

All study abroad participants are automatically insured through Gallagher Koster, a Purdue group medical insurance policy. Dustin Potts studying abroad
The cost for this insurance is included in the program fee. A description of medical benefits is in the orientation packet.
In the event a covered loss occurs or a student receives medical treatment, submit an itemized bill, which has been translated into English, along with the amount paid (in US dollars) to the claims company listed below. Keep a copy of the information that is submitted.
Klais & Company Inc.
1867 West Market Street
Akron, OH 44313
klaisclaims@klais.com
Students studying in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and France are covered by more insurance, which is mandatory for the country in which they study.